Time travel, Granby style. The date was June 4, 1905. Orville and Wilbur Wright were tweaking their air machines. Only 10 miles of paved highway threaded the U.S., so trains ruled the road – the railroad, that is. And in Colorado, construction of the “Moffat Railroad” between Denver and Salt Lake City had cleared Rollins Pass, squeezing through the short but vital tunnel at its 11,670-foot summit, then dropping down into the Fraser Valley and the area known as Middle Park. Colorado dignitaries who rode the first train through to Grand County stopped long enough to play a baseball game with the locals and enjoy a Greek lamb roast.
Fast forward 100 years. On June 4, both Grand County and Granby will celebrate their centennials. To evoke the genteel Victorian age of 1905, the “Grand Heritage Centennial Affair” steps back in time, retracing that maiden train ride and playing and old-fashioned baseball game.
The train you can ride on June 4 from Denver to Granby cuts through the 6-mile Moffat Tunnel, eliminating the need to chug up Rollins Pass. But, from your reserved seat on Amtrak’s California Zephyr, you will follow much of the same route taken 100 years ago. Characters portraying legends of Grand County will be on board and in attendance at the weekend activities.
You can watch Denver and Front Range dignitaries in vintage baseball uniforms play against a team composed of powers-that-be in Grand County. The event commemorates a baseball game played in 1905.
What would an old-fashioned day in the park be without an ice cream social and Founders’ Day games and entertainment reminiscent of the days of yore?
Try to make it to the finish line in a three-legged race. Play kick the can. Enter a sack race. Plunk your pole in the fishing pond. Score big at the ring toss. Listen to the music of the 8th Regiment Cavalry Brass Band and a number of local bands all afternoon long. And take in a lecture by Colorado historian Abbott Fay.
Greek ranchers in the area plan a lamb roast buffet Saturday evening in the park, followed by a vintage music concert. Many participants will wear period costumes.
After a night’s lodging at nearby Silver Creek, “Grand Heritage” participants may be taken to local golf courses or prized fishing holes on Sunday before returning to Denver.
The June 4 date is significant in Granby’s history in yet another way. The date marks the one-year anniversary of the infamous bulldozer attack on the town’s business district. New structures replace those devastated during the rampage. Also, local authorities will unveil plans for rebuilding the town hall and library.
The “Grand Heritage Centennial Affair” package costs $175 per person, including Amtrak transportation from Denver to Granby, all activities, one night’s lodging at Silver Creek and return bus transportation from Granby to Denver.
Without transportation, the weekend package costs $125 per person. And, without overnight lodging or transportation, the cost is $30.
Lillian Ross is a freelance writer who lives in Howard.
The details
Granby is about 85 miles northwest of Denver via Interstate 70 to the Empire/U.S. 40 turnoff. Drive U.S. 40 over Berthoud Pass, through Winter Park and into the town. For information about the Grand Heritage Centennial Affair, and reservations for Amtrak tickets, call the Granby Chamber of Commerce at 800-325-1661.
